News
Lakers add second American to boost promotion chances
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Ahead of Saturday’s crucial home game against the Limerick Celtics (Killarney Sports Centre, 7.30pm), the Scotts Lakers have strengthened their squad by adding 6’2” American guard Xavier Talton.
The Lakers are currently in third place in Division 1 of the National League and the club are hopeful that the acquisition of Talton, a former D1 college player at the University of Colorado, will boost their chances of promotion heading into the second half the season.
Talton’s arrival brings the Lakers’ United States contingent to two and, due to league restrictions, he will have to split his minutes with fellow American Aaron Jackson. Teams in the Irish league are only permitted to have one American on the floor at any one time.
With Jackson absent through suspension, Talton played 30 minutes in last weekend’s victory over the Limerick Sport Eagles and speaking to the Killarney Advertiser this week, head coach Shane McCarthy said he was pleased with the debutant’s performance.
“Xavier only practiced once before the game in Limerick and he did really well,” McCarthy said.
“He comes from a huge college in Colorado. His team played in the Pac-12 conference which is one of the biggest in the country. He’s a 6’2” pass-first guard who can also knock down the three ball. He gives us a different look and allows Mick [McGinn] to work more off the ball also. He played against NBA standard guys every day in college.”
The Colorado native is the Sterling High School record holder in points, assists, steals, games played and games won. He also played football and ran track.
Talton was a major player for the CU Buffaloes throughout his time in Boulder and he fell just one game shy of equalling the team’s all-time record for appearances. He subsequently played professionally in Macedonia.
Point of note: Xavier is pronounced ‘ex-ay-vier’.
It’s a case of one in, one out for the Killarney club as summer signing Victor Martínez returns to Spain following an unsuccessful half-season in the black and white of St Paul’s.
Pic: CU Buffaloes.
Green light for Torc Dinis walkway
Planning approval has been granted for a long-awaited lakeside walkway and cycleway connecting Torc and Dinis inside Killarney National Park.
An Coimisiún Pleanála confirmed permission for the elevated platform project, which will complete the popular scenic loop while removing a dangerous 800-metre section along the busy N71 Killarney to Kenmare road.
Walkers and cyclists currently have to navigate narrow bends alongside heavy vehicular traffic and tour buses to complete the circuit between the Dinis and Torc car parks.
Mayor of Killarney John O’Donoghue welcomed the decision, calling it a transformative development for the region: “Since beginning in the Council in 2021, this has been one of my priorities as an issue I inherited from my predecessor Michael Gleeson, he being the first person to initially pursue the idea. I have repeatedly kept it on the agenda at Council meetings and now delighted to see we finally have positive news as this decision, which has been long overdue and eagerly awaited, will prove transformative for the area.”
Mayor O’Donoghue added: “The path, which will be on the lakeside, will offer views to rival those anywhere in the world and I have no doubt will prove very popular with locals and visitors alike. Huge credit is due to Kerry County Council and the NPWS for their co-operation on the issue. Once the decision has passed through its statutory waiting period, the design and tender stage can begin.”
The project, which will be built on a raised platform to protect the natural habitat beneath, will also be fully accessible for people with mobility issues. Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce also welcomed the green light, noting that the completed loop will create a major safe attraction showcasing Muckross Lake, Dinis Cottage, and the Old Weir Bridge.
LAKESIDE PATH: An Coimisiún Pleanála has approved planning permission for a new raised walkway and cycleway connecting Torc and Dinis in Killarney National Park.
LOCAL GOLD: Terrie O’Shea, founder and owner of Killarney-based business Sorella Berries, celebrating her Gold award win at the Blas na hÉireann Irish Food Awards held in Dingle last week. Her hand-crafted chocolate covered strawberries secured the top spot in national competition, earning recognition for the local food producer on the national stage.
Green light for Torc to Dinis walkway
Green light for Torc Dinis walkway Planning approval has been granted for a long-awaited lakeside walkway and cycleway connecting Torc...
LOCAL GOLD:
LOCAL GOLD: Terrie O’Shea, founder and owner of Killarney-based business Sorella Berries, celebrating her Gold award win at the Blas...
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